Wednesday, February 15th
Read Pencils, Erasers and Disqualifications Chapter
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. Describe Reynie Reynie is a boy who is an orphan that is extremely smart and hes always been an oddball in the orphanage.
2. On page five, it states that Reynie looked for solitude and freedom from persecution. What does this mean? Use evidence from the text to support your answers. Reynie does'nt (doesn't) want to be picked on anymore for being smart like when he said that his book was enjoyable and everyone started to pick on him because it was a fancy word.
3. Why would Reynie break his pencil in half for someone that he didn't even know? He broke his pencil because he wanted to be nice and he did what he thought he would do if miss permul (Mrs.Perumal) was there.
4. On page 17, it states that Reynie, "felt the weight of loneliness upon him." Why? What happened, use evidence to support your answers. He felt the loneliness because everyone else would have taking the test answers so he felt like he was alone.
5. Is cheating ever ok? How and why did Reynie resist the temptation? Cheating is no good for anyone. It doesnt (doesn't) hurt anyone but yourself. The first time he sat in front of her and the second time he flicked the answer sheet of his table.
6. Why are rules made? Why are those so many rules in chapter one? The rules are made to challenge the kids to see if they could follow the directions.
Due Friday, February 17th
Friday, February 17th
Read Buckets and Spectacles chapter
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. Reynie says he doesn't like television. Do you believe him? Why or why not? I believe Reynie that he does'nt (doesn't) like t.v. because he thinks that its boring and he likes reading more than watching t.v.Why doesn't he watch tv? More details needed.
2. Why is it important for this team to work together? Its important because then they can accomplish more together rather than alone because they all have special talents that when put together they can complete this mission.Explain more.
3. At the beginning of the chapter Rhonda doesn't seem upset at all - why? Shes not upset because she was just a test to see if he would cheat.
4. Describe Kate and Sticky. Who do you think are the protagonist and antagonist of the story so far? Kate uses her resources and the stuff around her. Sticky is a shy but intelligent kid. The protaganists are Reynie, Sticky, Mrs.Perumal, Kate and Mr. Benedict, because they are the nice. this answer in more details.
Due Monday, February 20th Ian you need to put more details/effort into your answers - thank you.
Monday, February 20th
Read Squares and Arrows and The Trouble with Children or, Why They are Necessary
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. What is the most important test the children passed in order to be selected? They needed to not cheat when Rhonda offered them the test answers.
2. How are they tested? They are tested to see how they answer and how they figure out the answer.
3. Why doesn’t it seem to matter that all the children solve the problem in a different way? It does'nt (doesn't) matter because kids dont (don't) think the same as each other and its good to be different.
4. What is narcolepsy? How does this affect Mr. Benedict? Narcolepsy is something that you get that cant be helped. Narcolepsy is when you fall into a deep sleep when you get a lot of emotion.
5, Where is Zambia? Find out two interesting facts about this place. Zambia is in South Africa. 1.Modern day Zambia was'nt (wasn't) founded until A.D. 300 2.On 24 October 1964, the country declared independence from the United Kingdom
Is Bembi a real language? No bembi is not a real language.
7. Why do you think Mr. Benedict wants this group of children for an important assignment? I think he wants to see who is the most talented child in the world.
8. What does the word " vexed" mean and how is it used in these two chapters? Vexed means irratated. (irritated)
Due Wednesday, February 22nd
Read The Sender and The Messenger
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1.With so much in common, Kate, Reynie, Sticky, and Constance still have dissimilar traits.
What are the traits they possess that bring them together? The traits are that they were all without parents and they were either at an orphanage or on the streets.
2. What causes discord among the team members? What causes discord is Constance and how she disagrees with everyone and gets everyone mad.
3. What in their backgrounds and family life is similar? What is dissimilar? There all similar because they have no parents. They are dissimilar because Reynie's parents died, sticky ran away, mates (Kates) mom died and then her father left her, and Constance never knew her parents.
4. How do the likenesses play a role in their assignment? They play a role because if they like each other than they can trust each other better and that will make the whole assignment easier.
Wednesday, February 28th
Read Codes and Histories and The Thing to Come
Due Friday, March 2nd
1. Why do you think that Mr. Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach? He's telling them this because What they don't teach could be more important than what they do.
2. What is Morse code? Who invented this communication system and what was it used for? Morse code is a series of dots that is a language. the man who invented it is named Samuel F. B. Morse and he invented it because communication was slow and things were going wrong with communication during wars so he invented it for better communication.
3. Mr. Benedict on page 119 states, "Whether you always agree is inconsequential,..." What does this mean? How does this fit into the definition of a team? It means that if you disagree on something you can't fight upon the answer. it fits the team because Constance disagrees on everything and everyone gets mad at her.
4. When Sticky tells about his background, he says that philanthropists began sending his parents money, what are philanthropists? It also says that Sticky was astonished and mortified - about what? A philanthropist is a person that gives money to a person when he/she needs it. Sticky was astonished and mortified that his parents were just forgetting about him because of all the money they were getting.
5. Constance had a breakthrough on page 124, describe this event.
6. Milligan has amnesia and wears disguises - why? He wears disguises in case one of his enemies from the past recognize him.
7. At the end of the chapter, Milligan couldn't look at the children - why? He couldn't look at the children because he had told them his story about his life and he was crying so he didn't want the children to see him cry.
8. What is the "unintended consequence" mentioned on page 135? The unintended consequence are the voices that are heard.
9. Describe the Sender. The sender is a person that wants to send these messages through transmission that will tell people what to do so he can rule the world.
10. Why was Reynie doubting his trust for Mr. Benedict Reynie is doubting Mr.Benedict because he doesn't know if he can look up to him but he really wants to.
Friday, March 2nd
Read Naming of the Crew
Due Monday, March 5th
1. What was the main idea of this chapter? The main idea of the chapter was that the kids were going toname the team and what Constance came up with was the Mysterious Benedict Society
Monday, March 5th
Read Nomansan Island and Traps and Nonsense
Always put part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 7th
Normansan Island
1. How are you enjoying this book so far? What questions do you currently have about this book that you think will be answered as we continue with the book? The book is super good because its really mysterious like how is the sender sending these messages into peoples brains and why. I think why the sender is sending the messages when the "Mysterious Benedict Society" is at Nomansan island. Why
2. Who are the executives and what is their job? What's the difference between a messenger and an executive? The job of an executive is they get be kind of like the teachers/bosses of the kids and the and are a higher rank up then messengers. A messengers job is not much different except you get special privileges. The difference is that the executives have more power over people than messengers who are just like average students.
3. Describe Jackson and Jillson. What do you think their role is in this book? Jackson and Jillson sound like there show offs and they think that there all that executives.I think there role is to be the bosses of the kids and messengers and to keep everything in line and have no trouble.
4. On page 160 it states that Kate was, "trying to prove she didn't need anyone's help and this was easiest to believe when she was doing what she was good at." What do you think this means? I think this means that Kate want to prove to everyone that she's better off on her own. 5. The end of the chapter ends with a cliff-hanger. What is a cliff-hanger and why it important? A cliff hanger is kinda like a plateau and it is important because that is were they can see the whole institute.
Traps and Nonsense
6. Why do you think there was a trap disguised with a plant on top? Do you think this will be important later in the book? What is that called when an author gives you clues as to what is going to occur further into the book? I have no idea why there would be a trap but this is and island that an evil guy is owning. Yes i do think they will explain why there is a trap there. When the author gives clues its called foreshadowing.
7. Who are the helpers? The helpers are kind of like the islands servants.
8. On page 166, the phrase "Whatever floats your boat," is an idiom. What is an idiom and what does this phrase mean? A idiom is a phrase or expression that cannot be taken literally.
9. What do you think about the Institute having no rules? How is this statement contradicted? I think they do have rules like the lights have to be out at 10 o'clock and that none can go in anyone else's room and such.
10. What is a free market? Why do they have to memorize a chant about the free market? A free market is like america (America) where everyone can join and/or invest and they memorize it because its a phrase that was in a message.
Vocabulary Words for you to look up: fate and diminutive size from page 152 ardous from page 164 Fate: Diminutive: Ardous:
Wednesday, March 7th
Read Beware the Gemini
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 9th
1. On page 174 it states that the new kids always felt "conspicuous," what does this word mean?
Conspicuous means:
2. What are the "recruiters" and "Institute scouts" that they are referring to? They are referring to the people with the electric watches that were in the maze that capture children to bring to nomansan island.
3. What clues are mentioned in the book that might suggest that the new arrivals might have been kidnapped? Use text evidence in your answer. Some clues are that when those two new kids came they were dazed and looked like they were wondering were they were but the next day they were fine.
4. Describe Mr. Curtain Mr.Curtain looks exactly like Mr.Benedict, big nose, scruffy hair, and chubby.
5. Could Mr. Curtain and Mr. Benedict be the same person? I don't think they could be the same person because Mr.Benedict is way too nice and trustworthy and he wouldn't want to put any children in harms way.
6. Why would everything be backwards at the institute? What might their reasons for this be? Everything is backwards at the institute so they confuse people in to thinking that the institute was awesome.
7. What does the word "sasquatch" mean that is mentioned on page 179?
Sasquatch means
8. What is a cryptic message and why would this be important? A cryptic message is a message that is kind of like a riddle.
9. On page 184 it states, "As is always the case with a society, some arguing remained to be done." Is this true and why might this be important to all societies? Yes i think this is true because all societies won't agree on everything.
10. What is "gemini" and why is this word important to this chapter? A gemini is a person that has an identical twin.
Wednesday, March 7th
Read Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations and Poison Apples/Poison Worms and A Surprising Suggestion
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 9th
1. What does the simile "his eyelids felt heavy as anvils" mean? It means that he was getting tired.
2. On page 210, Jackson stated, "You can say whatever you like when you have permission, right now no one has permission." What is he referring to? He is reffering (referring) to the rules that they supposedly have none of.
3. On page 211, Sticky could feel the "malice," what does this mean? It means that he felt nervous and embarassed (embarrassed)
4. Why is this chapter called Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations? Its called Logical Conclusions and miscalculations because they figured out things but they were wrong about some.
5. How does fruit fit in with the discussion of taxes, war, health, the justice system.....? It fits in because there are so many varieties.
6. The symbol poison apples, poison worms refers to what? It refers to one of the messages that the kids listened to with Mr. Benedict.
7. Reynie looked at the literal meaning of being poisoned, was he wrong? Explain your reasoning. No they were'nt (weren't) getting poisoned there was just a broadcast going on which was making them mad.
8. On page 216, it states that, "Most of us will simple feel irritable and confused." Have you heard this before? Where and what were they referring to? Yes I have heard this before when Mr. Benedict was talking to them about what Mr. Curtain does.
9. Mr. Benedict told the children that their love for the truth will protect them, what does this mean? It means that if they like the truth they will be protected.
10. Why can Constance hear the Messenger's voice? She can hear the voices because she has a very open mind.
11. Explain the response the children got from the mainland on page 219.
12. Why is it so important that the children become Messengers as quickly as possible? It is important because they need to figure out information faster than they thought because the improvement s coming.
13. What does the word "evasively" mean at the bottom of page 222?
It means:
14. Why couldn't Charlie explain about the special privileges? I think he couldn't tell them because he couldn't remember because they brainswept him.
Friday, March 9th
Read Tests and Invitations and Everything as it Should Be
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 12th
1. Why was Reynie jealous? Reynie was jealous because all of his friends had much better talents then him he thought.
2. On page 236, it says that Mr. Curtain rolled his chair almost "imperceptibly", what does this mean? It means that Mr. Curtain rode his wheelchair with great speed and carelessness.
3. "If you don't trust them, keep them close." What does this mean and why would Reynie say this statement? It makes sense because if you don't trust someone you should keep a close eye on the so they don't do bad things.
4. What is a sense of "deja vu?" (page 238) Deja Vu is something you get when you have a feeling that you've seen this before or you had a vision
5. "Control is always the key." What is this supposed to mean? It means that control is very important to success.
Monday, March 12th
Read Of Families Lost and Found and Tactical Caciupi
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 14th 1. Why is this chapter called Of Families Lost and Found? Its called Families Lost and Fond because all thug none of the Mysterious Benedict Society have any family they seem to think of each other as family now. 2. On page 254, it states, "What has been lost may yet be found, Have hope." What does this message from the mainland mean? It means that the people that have been lost could be found and to keep trying. 3. Respond to Reynie's idea of what a family might be all about, "I have no experience, but well, is this what family is like? The feeling that everyone's connected, that with one piece missing the whole thing's broken?" Yes i do think it feels like that even though sometimes they can be a little annoying. 4. On page 257, it, "family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood." What does this mean? It means that you don't have to be related to someone to be close to them. 5. What was the cliff hanger in the chapter Of Families Lost and Found? The cliff hanger was where they found there spot to spy on Mr. Curtain. 6. Why do you think that family is such an important theme that is woven in and out of almost each chapter? It is an important theme because none of them have it except Sticky but they don't care about him and they wish they did. 7. What does "Tactical Caciupi" mean and why would the author name this chapter that title? Tactical Caciupi means a cactus with 8 branches and the author named it that because that is what the Mysterious Benedict Society hid behind to spy on Mr. Curtains journal. 8. Why would Mr. Curtain say that one of his biggest accomplishments would be the invention of his tidal turbines? Explain what these are and how might they be used on the island. The turbines are things that create energy from waves in the sea. and it can be used in the island to power all of there needs such as the whisperer. 9. What was Kate using her spy glass/kaleidoscope for? She is using it to help Sticky spy on Mr. Curtains journal. 10. Knowing Sticky's talents, what do you think he is being used for when it comes to the journal? They are being used so he can retrace what he remembered in Mr. Curtains journal. 11. On page 267, the first entry is read and one part states, "There is no such thing as perfect control. I have come to understand, however, that the illusion of perfect control can amount to the same thing." What does this mean and what implications might this have on the story? It means that Mr. Curtain is going to have to use an illusion of control and it implicates that Mr. Curtain will be doing some more brainsweeping. 12. How can you have an illusion of control? You can have an illusion of control by doing something to someone that you will soon control. 13. Explain "brainsweeping." Brainsweeping is something that you do that blocks chosen memories. 14. Why aren't the special recruits every scared? They aren't scared because they have been brainswept and they forget everything. 15. What do you think the "improvement" is that they are talking about on page 270? I think the improvement has something to do with the whisperer. 16. What do you think his message on page 272 means?
I think it is what Mr. Curtain tells people when he brainsweeps them.
Wednesday, March 14th
Read Caught in the Act and The Waiting Room
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 16th
1. Why is this chapter called, "Caught in the Act?" Its called caught in the act because Sticky was caught cheating on a quiz and he was sent to the waiting room and he took one for the team.
2. On page 277 it says, "precipice." What does this mean and how is it used in the sentence? Precipice means a tall ledge and he used it as an expression that he feels really sad and depressed now that there plan has gone wrong and sticky was caught.
3. Why were Reynie, Kate and Constance trying to climb the wall?
4. Again, it mentions the "improvement." Any clues as to what this might be?
5. On page 282, the word "ominous" is used. What does this word mean and how is it used in the sentence?
Ominous: it means portending evil or harm; foreboding; threatening; inauspicious:
6. Describe Sticky as he came out of the Waiting Room. Sticky had a distant look and he was gloom and terrified.
7. Why wouldn't Sticky talk after he came out? He couldn't talk because he was terrified about what had just happened.
8. List the main characters and what they have to offer to a "team." Why might this be important to the rest of the book? (Reynie, Constance, Kate and Sticky) Reynie: Can figure out the messages from Mr. Benedict and is a good leader. Kate: Can use hear surroundings and can figure out how to get plans done well. Sticky: Extremely smart and remembers everything Constance: Stubborn (could help) and the rest is unknown.
9. What was the main idea for this chapter? Give two supporting details. The main idea was Sticky got caught cheating on a test and Reynie got seen spying on the recruiters training in the gym but didn't get caught.
Friday, March 16th
Read Punishments and Promotions and Half a Riddle
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 19th 1. What was the dilemma that Sticky was facing with Mr. Curtain? What would you have done? The dilemma is that Sticky got caught cheating and now he is lying to Mr. Curtain. 2. State Mr. Curtain's view on the idea of "control." Mr. Curtains view on control is that he thinks it is very important.
3. Why do you think that Sticky got off the hook for cheating and Reynie got off the hook for lying? They got off the hook because they blamed it on Martina. 4, On page 304 it states that Martina's face, "shone with malevolence," what does this mean and how does that apply to this sentence? It means that Martinas face showed that she was angry and braggy on who had lied about her and becoming an executive. 5. Why would Martina be promoted to Executive? Give reasons and your thinking as to why.
Martina was promoted to executive because Mr. Curtain was following what Reynie had said about keep your enemies close. So Mr.Curtain is keeping an eye on Martina. 6. What does it mean when Mr. Curtain says that the "best way of dealing with those you don't trust is to keep them close." Reynie said this and now so has Mr. Curtain - what do you think this means for the both of them?
It means that he has done as Reynie had told him and I think it means for the both of them that you should keep the people that you think will do harm to you close so you know what there doing. 7. Why did Mr. Curtain make Sticky and Reynie messengers?
He made Sticky and Reynie messengers because they were brave and have been doing well on there tests. 8. The coded message read: With open eyes now you may find A place you must exit to enter. Where one ---- What do you think this message might mean? Give reasons for your thinking. I think this message means that you have to take a step back and look at things more closely and you will see important information.
Monday, March 19th
Read The Whisperer and Open Sesame
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 21st
1. At the beginning of the chapter, Reynie has a dream. What do you think the dream means? The dream means that there time is running out and they need to hurry. 2. On page 314, it states that Reynie and Sticky shook hands "resolutely," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence?
It means that Reynie and Sticky shook hands confirming that the conversation was over. 3. On page 315, Jackson refers to Sticky or George as "dimwitted," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence? It means that he thinks Sticky is Stupid and it fits in the sentence because Sticky asked a question about there classes but Jackson thought it was a stupid question so he said that.
4. Why couldn't the boys know the way to the Whispering Gallery? They couldn't know the way to the whispering gallery because they weren't executives.
5. Describe the Whispering Gallery. The whispering gallery is a huge room with a desk and two bean bag chairs and of course the whisperer 6. On page 317, it states that the Whispering Gallery is so "austere," what does this mean? It means that the whisperer is so simple. 7. Again the idea of control comes up over and over, why?
It comes up because Mr. Curtain thinks that it is one of the most important assets to success. 8. Describe what The Whispering can do and not do. The whisperer can send out broadcasts through peoples minds but it can't do it on its own. 9. On page 319, when Renyie states that, "They go down easier, like candy rather than medicine." What is he talking about? He is talking about how children's minds are more open and easier to use. 10. On page 319 it refers to "inputting data," what is this? Inputting data is were you put data into a machine so it knows what to do. 11. On page 321, it states, "poison apples, poison worms," again - now what is this referring to? Why is this phrase repeated throughout the book? It is referring to phrase that transmits something into there heads. 12. On the last page of The Whisperer" it ends with Sticky saying, "Not being wanted, not being wanted at all," what was the question? The question was what do you fear most? 13. Why didn't Reynie want to sit and eat with the rest of the messengers? What excuse did he give the messenger? He didn't want to sit with the other messengers because he wanted to sit with how friends and the excuse was that he had the stomach flu. 14. On page 333, when Constance says that Reynie is "on," what does this mean? 15. How do we know that Mr. Curtain will be done with the Messengers after "the Improvement?" He said that he would keep only the best messengers but he would need very little for he would be able to control everyone. 16. What are the clues about the trap?
The clues about the trap are
17. How did the kids figure out the code? They figured out the code by flipping the paper over and reading the note upside down.
Wednesday, March 21st
Read Practice Makes Perfect and Know Thine Enemy
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 23rd
1. Why is this chapter called "Practice Makes Perfect?" It is called practice makes perfect because Kate has gad so much practice on being on her own she didn't mind doing the mission by herself with no help.
2. Why would the government press releases be dated for the future? There are press releases dated for the future because Mr. Curtain is planning on telling the world these things.
3. What does the article and page 346/347 mean? It means that Mr. Curtain is telling the world that they should trust him and not the government.
4. Why would Mr. Curtain want to create fear in everyone? He wants to create fear in everyone so he can be looked at as the good guy because his whisperer can get rid of those fears.
5. Why would Mr. Curtain want to put together an Amnesia Sanctuary? He wants an amnesia sanctuary so he doesn't have to completely brainwash some people.
6. Why is this chapter called, "Know Thine Enemy?" THe chapter is called know thine enemy because they are going to spy on Mr. Curtain so they can know him better.
7. What is the "memory terminal?" The memory terminal is where all of the peoples memories are stored.
8. On page 353, Reynie states, "But we are too late! Much, much too late," what is he referring to? He is referring to the improvement and how little time they had.
9. Who was the "recruiter" staring up at the window at night? The recruiter was Milligan.
10. Why would he send the message to hurry? He sent the message to hurry because he knew that they had very little time.
11. Why was Milligan on the island? He was on the island in case there was an emergency
12. Why wouldn't the kids follow Milligan? They wouldn't follow him because they knew that they had a job to finish so thy could save the world. 13. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent with Milligan to give to the kids? The message was that they had to hurry and that there was very little time remaining before the improvement.
Friday, March 23rd
Read A Chess Lesson and The Mouse in the Culvert
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 26th
1. What is Reynie's plan that he refers to on page 364?
2. Why was Reynie so afraid of "betraying?" He was afraid of betraying his friends because he didnt want to feel alone again.
3. Why was Reynie doubting himself?
4. Why was Reynie sending Mr. Benedict a message?
He was sending Mr. Benedict a message because he was feeling like he wanted to give in to the whisperer.
5. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent back?
6. What did the message mean?
7. How did Kate get into the elevator? She shot a pebble with her sling shot so then it made a loud sound and Jackson was distracted.
8. Why didn't she want to push any of the buttons in the elevator? Because then the elevator would make a lot of sound and Jackson would hear.
9. How does Mr. Curtain deal with the subject of fear?
10. What is Martina's job?
11. How did Mr. Curtain make sure no one was in the culvert?
12. What did Kate see in the water that had deceived her?
Monday, March 26th
Read Sacrifices, Narrow Escapes, and Something Like a Plan and Bad News and Sticky's Discovery
Read Pencils, Erasers and Disqualifications Chapter
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. Describe Reynie
Reynie is a boy who is an orphan that is extremely smart and hes always been an oddball in the orphanage.
2. On page five, it states that Reynie looked for solitude and freedom from persecution. What does this mean? Use evidence from the text to support your answers.
Reynie does'nt (doesn't) want to be picked on anymore for being smart like when he said that his book was enjoyable and everyone started to pick on him because it was a fancy word.
3. Why would Reynie break his pencil in half for someone that he didn't even know?
He broke his pencil because he wanted to be nice and he did what he thought he would do if miss permul (Mrs.Perumal) was there.
4. On page 17, it states that Reynie, "felt the weight of loneliness upon him." Why? What happened, use evidence to support your answers.
He felt the loneliness because everyone else would have taking the test answers so he felt like he was alone.
5. Is cheating ever ok? How and why did Reynie resist the temptation?
Cheating is no good for anyone. It doesnt (doesn't) hurt anyone but yourself. The first time he sat in front of her and the second time he flicked the answer sheet of his table.
6. Why are rules made? Why are those so many rules in chapter one?
The rules are made to challenge the kids to see if they could follow the directions.
Due Friday, February 17th
Friday, February 17th
Read Buckets and Spectacles chapter
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. Reynie says he doesn't like television. Do you believe him? Why or why not?
I believe Reynie that he does'nt (doesn't) like t.v. because he thinks that its boring and he likes reading more than watching t.v.Why doesn't he watch tv? More details needed.
2. Why is it important for this team to work together?
Its important because then they can accomplish more together rather than alone because they all have special talents that when put together they can complete this mission.Explain more.
3. At the beginning of the chapter Rhonda doesn't seem upset at all - why?
Shes not upset because she was just a test to see if he would cheat.
4. Describe Kate and Sticky. Who do you think are the protagonist and antagonist of the story so far?
Kate uses her resources and the stuff around her. Sticky is a shy but intelligent kid. The protaganists are Reynie, Sticky, Mrs.Perumal, Kate and Mr. Benedict, because they are the nice. this answer in more details.
Due Monday, February 20th
Ian you need to put more details/effort into your answers - thank you.
Monday, February 20th
Read Squares and Arrows and The Trouble with Children or, Why They are Necessary
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. What is the most important test the children passed in order to be selected?
They needed to not cheat when Rhonda offered them the test answers.
2. How are they tested?
They are tested to see how they answer and how they figure out the answer.
3. Why doesn’t it seem to matter that all the children solve the problem in a different way?
It does'nt (doesn't) matter because kids dont (don't) think the same as each other and its good to be different.
4. What is narcolepsy? How does this affect Mr. Benedict?
Narcolepsy is something that you get that cant be helped. Narcolepsy is when you fall into a deep sleep when you get a lot of emotion.
5, Where is Zambia? Find out two interesting facts about this place.
Zambia is in South Africa.
1.Modern day Zambia was'nt (wasn't) founded until A.D. 300
2.On 24 October 1964, the country declared independence from the United Kingdom
Is Bembi a real language?
No bembi is not a real language.
7. Why do you think Mr. Benedict wants this group of children for an important assignment?
I think he wants to see who is the most talented child in the world.
8. What does the word " vexed" mean and how is it used in these two chapters?
Vexed means irratated. (irritated)
Due Wednesday, February 22nd
Read The Sender and The Messenger
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1.With so much in common, Kate, Reynie, Sticky, and Constance still have dissimilar traits.
What are the traits they possess that bring them together?
The traits are that they were all without parents and they were either at an orphanage or on the streets.
2. What causes discord among the team members?
What causes discord is Constance and how she disagrees with everyone and gets everyone mad.
3. What in their backgrounds and family life is similar? What is dissimilar?
There all similar because they have no parents. They are dissimilar because Reynie's parents died, sticky ran away, mates (Kates) mom died and then her father left her, and Constance never knew her parents.
4. How do the likenesses play a role in their assignment?
They play a role because if they like each other than they can trust each other better and that will make the whole assignment easier.
Wednesday, February 28th
Read Codes and Histories and The Thing to Come
Due Friday, March 2nd
1. Why do you think that Mr. Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach?
He's telling them this because What they don't teach could be more important than what they do.
2. What is Morse code? Who invented this communication system and what was it used for?
Morse code is a series of dots that is a language. the man who invented it is named Samuel F. B. Morse and he invented it because communication was slow and things were going wrong with communication during wars so he invented it for better communication.
3. Mr. Benedict on page 119 states, "Whether you always agree is inconsequential,..." What does this mean? How does this fit into the definition of a team?
It means that if you disagree on something you can't fight upon the answer. it fits the team because Constance disagrees on everything and everyone gets mad at her.
4. When Sticky tells about his background, he says that philanthropists began sending his parents money, what are philanthropists? It also says that Sticky was astonished and mortified - about what?
A philanthropist is a person that gives money to a person when he/she needs it. Sticky was astonished and mortified that his parents were just forgetting about him because of all the money they were getting.
5. Constance had a breakthrough on page 124, describe this event.
6. Milligan has amnesia and wears disguises - why?
He wears disguises in case one of his enemies from the past recognize him.
7. At the end of the chapter, Milligan couldn't look at the children - why?
He couldn't look at the children because he had told them his story about his life and he was crying so he didn't want the children to see him cry.
8. What is the "unintended consequence" mentioned on page 135?
The unintended consequence are the voices that are heard.
9. Describe the Sender.
The sender is a person that wants to send these messages through transmission that will tell people what to do so he can rule the world.
10. Why was Reynie doubting his trust for Mr. Benedict
Reynie is doubting Mr.Benedict because he doesn't know if he can look up to him but he really wants to.
Friday, March 2nd
Read Naming of the Crew
Due Monday, March 5th
1. What was the main idea of this chapter?
The main idea of the chapter was that the kids were going toname the team and what Constance came up with was the Mysterious Benedict Society
Monday, March 5th
Read Nomansan Island and Traps and Nonsense
Always put part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 7th
Normansan Island
1. How are you enjoying this book so far? What questions do you currently have about this book that you think will be answered as we continue with the book?
The book is super good because its really mysterious like how is the sender sending these messages into peoples brains and why. I think why the sender is sending the messages when the "Mysterious Benedict Society" is at Nomansan island.
Why
2. Who are the executives and what is their job? What's the difference between a messenger and an executive?
The job of an executive is they get be kind of like the teachers/bosses of the kids and the and are a higher rank up then messengers. A messengers job is not much different except you get special privileges. The difference is that the executives have more power over people than messengers who are just like average students.
3. Describe Jackson and Jillson. What do you think their role is in this book?
Jackson and Jillson sound like there show offs and they think that there all that executives.I think there role is to be the bosses of the kids and messengers and to keep everything in line and have no trouble.
4. On page 160 it states that Kate was, "trying to prove she didn't need anyone's help and this was easiest to believe when she was doing what she was good at." What do you think this means?
I think this means that Kate want to prove to everyone that she's better off on her own.
5. The end of the chapter ends with a cliff-hanger. What is a cliff-hanger and why it important?
A cliff hanger is kinda like a plateau and it is important because that is were they can see the whole institute.
Traps and Nonsense
6. Why do you think there was a trap disguised with a plant on top? Do you think this will be important later in the book? What is that called when an author gives you clues as to what is going to occur further into the book?
I have no idea why there would be a trap but this is and island that an evil guy is owning. Yes i do think they will explain why there is a trap there. When the author gives clues its called foreshadowing.
7. Who are the helpers?
The helpers are kind of like the islands servants.
8. On page 166, the phrase "Whatever floats your boat," is an idiom. What is an idiom and what does this phrase mean?
A idiom is a phrase or expression that cannot be taken literally.
9. What do you think about the Institute having no rules? How is this statement contradicted?
I think they do have rules like the lights have to be out at 10 o'clock and that none can go in anyone else's room and such.
10. What is a free market? Why do they have to memorize a chant about the free market?
A free market is like america (America) where everyone can join and/or invest and they memorize it because its a phrase that was in a message.
Vocabulary Words for you to look up:
fate and diminutive size from page 152
ardous from page 164
Fate:
Diminutive:
Ardous:
Wednesday, March 7th
Read Beware the Gemini
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 9th
1. On page 174 it states that the new kids always felt "conspicuous," what does this word mean?
Conspicuous means:
2. What are the "recruiters" and "Institute scouts" that they are referring to?
They are referring to the people with the electric watches that were in the maze that capture children to bring to nomansan island.
3. What clues are mentioned in the book that might suggest that the new arrivals might have been kidnapped? Use text evidence in your answer.
Some clues are that when those two new kids came they were dazed and looked like they were wondering were they were but the next day they were fine.
4. Describe Mr. Curtain
Mr.Curtain looks exactly like Mr.Benedict, big nose, scruffy hair, and chubby.
5. Could Mr. Curtain and Mr. Benedict be the same person?
I don't think they could be the same person because Mr.Benedict is way too nice and trustworthy and he wouldn't want to put any children in harms way.
6. Why would everything be backwards at the institute? What might their reasons for this be?
Everything is backwards at the institute so they confuse people in to thinking that the institute was awesome.
7. What does the word "sasquatch" mean that is mentioned on page 179?
Sasquatch means
8. What is a cryptic message and why would this be important?
A cryptic message is a message that is kind of like a riddle.
9. On page 184 it states, "As is always the case with a society, some arguing remained to be done." Is this true and why might this be important to all societies?
Yes i think this is true because all societies won't agree on everything.
10. What is "gemini" and why is this word important to this chapter?
A gemini is a person that has an identical twin.
Read Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations and Poison Apples/Poison Worms and A Surprising Suggestion
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 9th
1. What does the simile "his eyelids felt heavy as anvils" mean?
It means that he was getting tired.
2. On page 210, Jackson stated, "You can say whatever you like when you have permission, right now no one has permission." What is he referring to?
He is reffering (referring) to the rules that they supposedly have none of.
3. On page 211, Sticky could feel the "malice," what does this mean?
It means that he felt nervous and embarassed (embarrassed)
4. Why is this chapter called Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations?
Its called Logical Conclusions and miscalculations because they figured out things but they were wrong about some.
5. How does fruit fit in with the discussion of taxes, war, health, the justice system.....?
It fits in because there are so many varieties.
6. The symbol poison apples, poison worms refers to what?
It refers to one of the messages that the kids listened to with Mr. Benedict.
7. Reynie looked at the literal meaning of being poisoned, was he wrong? Explain your reasoning.
No they were'nt (weren't) getting poisoned there was just a broadcast going on which was making them mad.
8. On page 216, it states that, "Most of us will simple feel irritable and confused." Have you heard this before? Where and what were they referring to?
Yes I have heard this before when Mr. Benedict was talking to them about what Mr. Curtain does.
9. Mr. Benedict told the children that their love for the truth will protect them, what does this mean?
It means that if they like the truth they will be protected.
10. Why can Constance hear the Messenger's voice?
She can hear the voices because she has a very open mind.
11. Explain the response the children got from the mainland on page 219.
12. Why is it so important that the children become Messengers as quickly as possible?
It is important because they need to figure out information faster than they thought because the improvement s coming.
13. What does the word "evasively" mean at the bottom of page 222?
It means:
14. Why couldn't Charlie explain about the special privileges?
I think he couldn't tell them because he couldn't remember because they brainswept him.
Friday, March 9th
Read Tests and Invitations and Everything as it Should Be
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 12th
1. Why was Reynie jealous?
Reynie was jealous because all of his friends had much better talents then him he thought.
2. On page 236, it says that Mr. Curtain rolled his chair almost "imperceptibly", what does this mean?
It means that Mr. Curtain rode his wheelchair with great speed and carelessness.
3. "If you don't trust them, keep them close." What does this mean and why would Reynie say this statement?
It makes sense because if you don't trust someone you should keep a close eye on the so they don't do bad things.
4. What is a sense of "deja vu?" (page 238)
Deja Vu is something you get when you have a feeling that you've seen this before or you had a vision
5. "Control is always the key." What is this supposed to mean?
It means that control is very important to success.
Monday, March 12th
Read Of Families Lost and Found and Tactical Caciupi
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 14th
1. Why is this chapter called Of Families Lost and Found?
Its called Families Lost and Fond because all thug none of the Mysterious Benedict Society have any family they seem to think of each other as family now.
2. On page 254, it states, "What has been lost may yet be found, Have hope." What does this message from the mainland mean?
It means that the people that have been lost could be found and to keep trying.
3. Respond to Reynie's idea of what a family might be all about, "I have no experience, but well, is this what family is like? The feeling that everyone's connected, that with one piece missing the whole thing's broken?"
Yes i do think it feels like that even though sometimes they can be a little annoying.
4. On page 257, it, "family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood." What does this mean?
It means that you don't have to be related to someone to be close to them.
5. What was the cliff hanger in the chapter Of Families Lost and Found?
The cliff hanger was where they found there spot to spy on Mr. Curtain.
6. Why do you think that family is such an important theme that is woven in and out of almost each chapter?
It is an important theme because none of them have it except Sticky but they don't care about him and they wish they did.
7. What does "Tactical Caciupi" mean and why would the author name this chapter that title?
Tactical Caciupi means a cactus with 8 branches and the author named it that because that is what the Mysterious Benedict Society hid behind to spy on Mr. Curtains journal.
8. Why would Mr. Curtain say that one of his biggest accomplishments would be the invention of his tidal turbines? Explain what these are and how might they be used on the island.
The turbines are things that create energy from waves in the sea. and it can be used in the island to power all of there needs such as the whisperer.
9. What was Kate using her spy glass/kaleidoscope for?
She is using it to help Sticky spy on Mr. Curtains journal.
10. Knowing Sticky's talents, what do you think he is being used for when it comes to the journal?
They are being used so he can retrace what he remembered in Mr. Curtains journal.
11. On page 267, the first entry is read and one part states, "There is no such thing as perfect control. I have come to understand, however, that the illusion of perfect control can amount to the same thing." What does this mean and what implications might this have on the story?
It means that Mr. Curtain is going to have to use an illusion of control and it implicates that Mr. Curtain will be doing some more brainsweeping.
12. How can you have an illusion of control?
You can have an illusion of control by doing something to someone that you will soon control.
13. Explain "brainsweeping."
Brainsweeping is something that you do that blocks chosen memories.
14. Why aren't the special recruits every scared?
They aren't scared because they have been brainswept and they forget everything.
15. What do you think the "improvement" is that they are talking about on page 270?
I think the improvement has something to do with the whisperer.
16. What do you think his message on page 272 means?
I think it is what Mr. Curtain tells people when he brainsweeps them.
Wednesday, March 14th
Read Caught in the Act and The Waiting Room
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 16th
1. Why is this chapter called, "Caught in the Act?"
Its called caught in the act because Sticky was caught cheating on a quiz and he was sent to the waiting room and he took one for the team.
2. On page 277 it says, "precipice." What does this mean and how is it used in the sentence?
Precipice means a tall ledge and he used it as an expression that he feels really sad and depressed now that there plan has gone wrong and sticky was caught.
3. Why were Reynie, Kate and Constance trying to climb the wall?
4. Again, it mentions the "improvement." Any clues as to what this might be?
5. On page 282, the word "ominous" is used. What does this word mean and how is it used in the sentence?
Ominous: it means
portending evil or harm; foreboding; threatening; inauspicious:
6. Describe Sticky as he came out of the Waiting Room.
Sticky had a distant look and he was gloom and terrified.
7. Why wouldn't Sticky talk after he came out?
He couldn't talk because he was terrified about what had just happened.
8. List the main characters and what they have to offer to a "team." Why might this be important to the rest of the book?
(Reynie, Constance, Kate and Sticky)
Reynie: Can figure out the messages from Mr. Benedict and is a good leader.
Kate: Can use hear surroundings and can figure out how to get plans done well.
Sticky: Extremely smart and remembers everything
Constance: Stubborn (could help) and the rest is unknown.
9. What was the main idea for this chapter? Give two supporting details.
The main idea was Sticky got caught cheating on a test and Reynie got seen spying on the recruiters training in the gym but didn't get caught.
Friday, March 16th
Read Punishments and Promotions and Half a Riddle
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 19th
1. What was the dilemma that Sticky was facing with Mr. Curtain? What would you have done?
The dilemma is that Sticky got caught cheating and now he is lying to Mr. Curtain.
2. State Mr. Curtain's view on the idea of "control."
Mr. Curtains view on control is that he thinks it is very important.
3. Why do you think that Sticky got off the hook for cheating and Reynie got off the hook for lying?
They got off the hook because they blamed it on Martina.
4, On page 304 it states that Martina's face, "shone with malevolence," what does this mean and how does that apply to this sentence?
It means that Martinas face showed that she was angry and braggy on who had lied about her and becoming an executive.
5. Why would Martina be promoted to Executive? Give reasons and your thinking as to why.
Martina was promoted to executive because Mr. Curtain was following what Reynie had said about keep your enemies close. So Mr.Curtain is keeping an eye on Martina.
6. What does it mean when Mr. Curtain says that the "best way of dealing with those you don't trust is to keep them close." Reynie said this and now so has Mr. Curtain - what do you think this means for the both of them?
It means that he has done as Reynie had told him and I think it means for the both of them that you should keep the people that you think will do harm to you close so you know what there doing.
7. Why did Mr. Curtain make Sticky and Reynie messengers?
He made Sticky and Reynie messengers because they were brave and have been doing well on there tests.
8. The coded message read:
With open eyes now you may find
A place you must exit to enter.
Where one ----
What do you think this message might mean? Give reasons for your thinking.
I think this message means that you have to take a step back and look at things more closely and you will see important information.
Monday, March 19th
Read The Whisperer and Open Sesame
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 21st
1. At the beginning of the chapter, Reynie has a dream. What do you think the dream means?
The dream means that there time is running out and they need to hurry.
2. On page 314, it states that Reynie and Sticky shook hands "resolutely," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence?
It means that Reynie and Sticky shook hands confirming that the conversation was over.
3. On page 315, Jackson refers to Sticky or George as "dimwitted," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence?
It means that he thinks Sticky is Stupid and it fits in the sentence because Sticky asked a question about there classes but Jackson thought it was a stupid question so he said that.
4. Why couldn't the boys know the way to the Whispering Gallery?
They couldn't know the way to the whispering gallery because they weren't executives.
5. Describe the Whispering Gallery.
The whispering gallery is a huge room with a desk and two bean bag chairs and of course the whisperer
6. On page 317, it states that the Whispering Gallery is so "austere," what does this mean?
It means that the whisperer is so simple.
7. Again the idea of control comes up over and over, why?
It comes up because Mr. Curtain thinks that it is one of the most important assets to success.
8. Describe what The Whispering can do and not do.
The whisperer can send out broadcasts through peoples minds but it can't do it on its own.
9. On page 319, when Renyie states that, "They go down easier, like candy rather than medicine." What is he talking about?
He is talking about how children's minds are more open and easier to use.
10. On page 319 it refers to "inputting data," what is this?
Inputting data is were you put data into a machine so it knows what to do.
11. On page 321, it states, "poison apples, poison worms," again - now what is this referring to? Why is this phrase repeated throughout the book?
It is referring to phrase that transmits something into there heads.
12. On the last page of The Whisperer" it ends with Sticky saying, "Not being wanted, not being wanted at all," what was the question?
The question was what do you fear most?
13. Why didn't Reynie want to sit and eat with the rest of the messengers? What excuse did he give the messenger?
He didn't want to sit with the other messengers because he wanted to sit with how friends and the excuse was that he had the stomach flu.
14. On page 333, when Constance says that Reynie is "on," what does this mean?
15. How do we know that Mr. Curtain will be done with the Messengers after "the Improvement?"
He said that he would keep only the best messengers but he would need very little for he would be able to control everyone.
16. What are the clues about the trap?
The clues about the trap are
17. How did the kids figure out the code?
They figured out the code by flipping the paper over and reading the note upside down.
Wednesday, March 21st
Read Practice Makes Perfect and Know Thine Enemy
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 23rd
1. Why is this chapter called "Practice Makes Perfect?"
It is called practice makes perfect because Kate has gad so much practice on being on her own she didn't mind doing the mission by herself with no help.
2. Why would the government press releases be dated for the future?
There are press releases dated for the future because Mr. Curtain is planning on telling the world these things.
3. What does the article and page 346/347 mean?
It means that Mr. Curtain is telling the world that they should trust him and not the government.
4. Why would Mr. Curtain want to create fear in everyone?
He wants to create fear in everyone so he can be looked at as the good guy because his whisperer can get rid of those fears.
5. Why would Mr. Curtain want to put together an Amnesia Sanctuary?
He wants an amnesia sanctuary so he doesn't have to completely brainwash some people.
6. Why is this chapter called, "Know Thine Enemy?"
THe chapter is called know thine enemy because they are going to spy on Mr. Curtain so they can know him better.
7. What is the "memory terminal?"
The memory terminal is where all of the peoples memories are stored.
8. On page 353, Reynie states, "But we are too late! Much, much too late," what is he referring to?
He is referring to the improvement and how little time they had.
9. Who was the "recruiter" staring up at the window at night?
The recruiter was Milligan.
10. Why would he send the message to hurry?
He sent the message to hurry because he knew that they had very little time.
11. Why was Milligan on the island?
He was on the island in case there was an emergency
12. Why wouldn't the kids follow Milligan?
They wouldn't follow him because they knew that they had a job to finish so thy could save the world.
13. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent with Milligan to give to the kids?
The message was that they had to hurry and that there was very little time remaining before the improvement.
Friday, March 23rd
Read A Chess Lesson and The Mouse in the Culvert
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 26th
1. What is Reynie's plan that he refers to on page 364?
2. Why was Reynie so afraid of "betraying?"
He was afraid of betraying his friends because he didnt want to feel alone again.
3. Why was Reynie doubting himself?
4. Why was Reynie sending Mr. Benedict a message?
He was sending Mr. Benedict a message because he was feeling like he wanted to give in to the whisperer.
5. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent back?
6. What did the message mean?
7. How did Kate get into the elevator?
She shot a pebble with her sling shot so then it made a loud sound and Jackson was distracted.
8. Why didn't she want to push any of the buttons in the elevator?
Because then the elevator would make a lot of sound and Jackson would hear.
9. How does Mr. Curtain deal with the subject of fear?
10. What is Martina's job?
11. How did Mr. Curtain make sure no one was in the culvert?
12. What did Kate see in the water that had deceived her?
Monday, March 26th
Read Sacrifices, Narrow Escapes, and Something Like a Plan and Bad News and Sticky's Discovery